The subject of research of this paper are the most important challenges that the agricultural sector faces in the Vukovar-Srijem County: the lack of financial resources, unemployment, problems of uncultivated land, the need to create conditions for domestic agricultural economy, with which the rural areas are faced since the beginning of appearance and during the expansion. In the area of Vukovar-Srijem County is the biggest problem of long-term sustainable development, and EU funds can provide financing, the restructuring of farms and production by the EU standards. The object of research is considered in three areas, the European Union, the Republic of Croatia, and Vukovar-Srijem County. This work emphasizes the importance of the agricultural strategy in the area of Vukovar-Srijem County as a foundation for achieving the social economic development of a certain area. As the main goal of the strategy of agricultural development is to reduce the difference between EU regions. The main mechanisms for achieving the goals of the strategy of the European Union are EU funds, of which the most important are: ESF, ERDF and EAFRD. Furthermore, in the paper are emphasized importance of the LEADER program, which is in the opinion of the author crucial for further progress and development of the Republic of Croatia.